After the first three match days of the Bundesliga, there are legitimate concerns that FC Bayern Munich is even more untouchable this season than in previous years. Now the lead in the table is gone again after the 5th matchday. Meanwhile, VfL Bochum is experiencing bitter days.
1. FC Union Berlin - FC Bayern Munich 1: 1 (1: 1)
Series champion Bayern Munich suffered another setback in the Bundesliga in the hard-fought top game at Union Berlin and lost the lead in the table. The Munich team couldn't get past a 1-1 (1-1) draw in Köpenick on Saturday. Sheraldo Becker (12th minute) gave the Irons, who have been unbeaten in twelve league games throughout the season, the lead on Saturday. Joshua Kimmich equalized shortly afterwards in front of 22,012 spectators in the sold-out stadium An der Alten Försterei (15th).
In contrast to the draw against Borussia Mönchengladbach a week ago, Bayern not only failed to convert their chances on the fifth day of the game, but also struggled for long stretches against the tireless team of Urs Fischer. Between the cup game at Viktoria Köln and the Champions League opener at Inter Milan on Wednesday, Bayern coach Julian Nagelsmann relied on an attacking trio of Leroy Sané, Sadio Mané and Kingsley Coman. Thomas Müller initially sat on the bench. At Union, Fischer had to change defense a week after the record win at Schalke 04. Paul Jaeckel replaced the injured Diogo Leite. Captain Christopher Trimmel replaced Niko Gießelmann in the starting eleven.
In the last quiet moment for a long time before the game, the victims of the attack at the Munich Olympic Games in September 1972 were commemorated. The atmosphere in the stadium and on the field was heated, especially in the first half. Union's stadium announcer had to warn fans who had thrown objects in Kimmich's direction when taking corners.
The Köpenicker's plan mostly worked. They disrupted Munich's build-up game, but then retreated deep and narrowed the spaces. The record champions could by no means create chances every minute. In one of the few moments in which Bayern were able to combine through the ranks of Berlin, Frederik Rönnow made a strong save against Leroy Sané (36th). As requested by Fischer, his team also provided some relief with their own offensive efforts. But good opportunities were rare.
In addition, the Unioners kept throwing their opponents out of rhythm, even with tough duels in the gray area of irregularity. This caused the Munich team and coach Nagelsmann to repeatedly talk to the referee team around Frank Willenborg. But Bayern also held back physically. Becker continued his run of the last few weeks. After a free kick from Trimmel, he broke away from his opponent and placed the ball directly into the left corner. Kimmich's compensation was the result of a strong follow-up after a standard. The Köpenickers did not consistently clear shots that were deflected. The 27-year-old German international reacted the quickest and shot the ball in.
The game was intense, but mostly played between the two penalty areas. In the 75th minute, substitute Jamie Leweling had a great chance for the Berliners: he fought Dayot Upamecano, but failed from a tight angle at Manuel Neuer. Several changes from Nagelsmann did not lead to success either.
Bayer Leverkusen - SC Freiburg 2: 3 (1: 1)
Match report will follow shortly.
VfL Bochum - SV Werder Bremen 0:2 (0:0)
Match report will follow shortly.
VfB Stuttgart - FC Schalke 04 1: 1 (1: 1)
Match report will follow shortly.
VfL Wolfsburg - 1. FC Köln 2:4 (1:3)
Match report will follow shortly.
